"Are you saying... that the system is my enemy?"

Rin asked in a suspicious voice.

He wanted to believe in the system, but it was true that the system was sketchy as hell. Then again, the man who had just killed the calamity looked equally sketchy in Rin’s eyes.

Kyle noticed Rin’s hesitation and decided to introduce himself.

"Oh! I don’t think I ever properly introduced myself. My name is Kyle, and due to certain circumstances, I do not have a last name. I am the only member of my party listed on the rankings. I am sure you must have seen my name on the leaderboard."

Rin hated to admit it, but he had seen that name on the leaderboard, and recently as well.

It belonged to the current Rank #1 hunter in the world.

Rin did not want to believe that the man standing in front of him was truly the current Rank #1 hunter. But the ease with which he had taken down the calamity, along with how relaxed he appeared even now, made it difficult to dismiss him as a fraud.

His instincts were telling him that the man before him was dangerous and that he needed to proceed with caution.

"Alright, let’s say I believe you and accept that the system is dangerous. It still controls a large part of our lives. I am not ready to completely break away from it at the moment."

Rin replied with a straight face.

The system might become a liability in the future, but right now it was too useful. And Rin had always had a habit of making use of anything useful he could get his hands on.

A disappointed expression crossed Kyle’s face, and Rin braced himself for a confrontation that never came.

Sigh.

"I understand. It is not easy for you to trust my words, is it? The system must have already brainwashed you into becoming its lackey. What am I supposed to do to change your mind?"

Kyle sounded more like he was talking to himself than asking Rin a question.

He spent a few moments considering his options before his eyes lit up in a way that unnerved Rin. Rin instinctively took a step back when Kyle stepped forward.

"I know what we can do about the system, brother. I can disable it, and instead I can protect you. You can gain new abilities by my side, and I will make sure you survive until the very end. I would even give my life for yours if necessary."

That was certainly a passionate declaration.

Rin wanted absolutely no part in it.

He did not want anyone sacrificing their life for him, and he especially did not want the responsibility of carrying someone else’s life on his shoulders.

After all, he already had Shelly and his civilization to worry about. Any more than that, and he would not be able to handle it.

"I... have considered your offer—"

"Oh! So shall we leave now?"

"—but I would like to decline it. I have no intention of playing whatever game you are playing."

It was a simple rejection without any room for misunderstanding.

Rin did not want to make a big deal out of it, but he wanted to make his position clear.

Kyle went quiet after hearing the rejection. Rin could not even see his eyes when the younger man lowered his head.

"I see. So this is a rejection. Mira did tell me that I would be rejected by someone important soon, but I did not realize it would be you."

Rin took another step back at the unsettling way Kyle spoke those words.

He had a feeling he was in trouble, and the only solution that came to mind was to run as far away as possible.

But he had barely taken a few steps when a barrier blocked his path.

"Since you have rejected me so firmly, I no longer have any reason to play nice. The truth is that you are essential to our plans, so I will take you back with me no matter what. It does not matter whether you want to come willingly or not."

Things were becoming dangerous.

Rin could not even fight back properly because the system was not responding to his summons.

Kyle raised his hand, and Rin could feel energy gathering around him.

He needed to stop Kyle before Kyle knocked him unconscious.

’What can I do to get out of here? What do I need—’

Rin grabbed a rock and threw it at Kyle.

It did not do much damage, but it was better than doing nothing.

One of the stones struck Kyle near the eye, causing him to flinch.

It must have been a surprisingly painful hit because Kyle lost concentration and completely missed his attack.

Kyle looked disturbed by the mistake, and the barrier flickered.

Rin immediately took advantage of the opportunity and bolted.

[Rookie, what happened? This senior lost connection with you for a moment. Just what are you facing to make something like this happen?]

The system actually sounded worried, and Rin felt strangely grateful.

He did not know whether the system was manipulating him or not, but he could not deny that it seemed invested in his wellbeing for now.

As for being in danger...

Kyle was rapidly gaining on him.

[("˚☐˚)/]

[I see. Rookie, you seem to have gotten yourself into a rather awkward situation. As your senior, it is my responsibility to help you out.]

[Can you hand over control of your body for a moment? I promise it will not hurt at all.]

The system sounded kind and gracious, but it was asking for far too much.

There was no way Rin was going to hand over his body to anyone.

Not even the system.

[Rookie, that hurts! Can’t you trust this senior a little? Have I ever done anything to hurt you?]

"Well, you have not exactly been a model helper either. I don’t think I can trust you with the track record you have shown so far."

Rin reminded the system, and it seemed to sigh.

[("-ࡇ-")]

[You simply do not understand this system’s generosity. The suggestion was meant to lessen the strain on your body. But if you are so determined to remain in control, that is fine as well.]

[This senior will allow you to borrow some powerful abilities for now.]